Retirees promised lifetime health coverage sue

A California appeals court says Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory retirees who were promised lifetime health care can sue over a switch to a private plan that costs more and covers less.

An Alameda County judge had earlier dismissed the breach of contract suit filed by four retirees of the University of California lab. In 2008, UC switched medical benefits to a private plan.

The San Francisco Chronicle (
http://bit.ly/VjJTtb
) says the 1st District Court ruled on Monday that the retirees had established the university promised lifetime health coverage and the suit can go forward.

The suit doesn't seek class-action status on behalf of all retired lab employees.

But a lawyer for the four retirees says he expects the case will lead to reinstatement of UC health coverage for all Livermore retirees.